Innovator founder visa

The innovator founder visa is for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish and run an innovative business in the UK. To qualify, your business idea must be new, viable, and scalable, and endorsed by an approved body. This route replaced the innovator and start-up visas, offering greater flexibility and removing the minimum investment requirement.

Following the HC 1333 reforms, applicants and endorsing bodies must now comply with the new Part Suitability framework and updated English language requirements introduced by the Home Office. Under the latest reforms, endorsement bodies must also meet stricter reporting and suitability standards to ensure ongoing business viability and compliance.

Our solicitors work closely with founders to refine their business plans, secure endorsements, and provide the legal foundation for scaling successfully in the UK.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for an innovator founder visa you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a business idea that is new, innovative, viable, and scalable.
• Obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
• Show you will be actively involved in running the business.
• Meet the English language requirement (CEFR Level B2 or higher).
• Be able to support yourself without accessing public funds.
• Satisfy the Home Office suitability criteria under the new Part Suitability framework introduced by HC 1333.

Endorsement criteria

Your business proposal must demonstrate that it is:

• New – you cannot join a business that is already trading.
• Innovative – a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs.
• Viable – you have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness.
• Scalable – evidence of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.

Endorsing bodies are now required to maintain closer oversight of progress and compliance under revised Home Office monitoring standards.

Application process

• Step 1 – Endorsement: Secure an endorsement from an approved body. A fee of £1,000 is payable for endorsement.
   
• Step 2 – Visa application: Apply online, pay the visa fee and the immigration health surcharge, and provide supporting documents including your endorsement letter.
   
• Step 3 – Decision: Most applications are decided within three weeks for applicants outside the UK.

Length of stay and extensions

The innovator founder visa is granted for three years and can be extended in further three-year periods, provided you continue to meet the requirements. There is no maximum time limit. You must meet with your endorsing body after 12 and 24 months (a £500 fee each time) to show progress with your business. Your visa may be shortened if your endorsement is withdrawn.

The Home Office has introduced stricter reporting obligations for endorsing bodies under HC 1333 to ensure compliance and business integrity.

Settlement (indefinite leave to remain)

You may be eligible for settlement after three years if you can show that:

• Your business is active, trading, and sustainable.
• You have created at least 10 full-time jobs for resident workers, or five jobs with higher salary thresholds.
• You have achieved significant revenue growth.

Dependants

You can bring your partner and children under 18 as dependants. They can work and study in the UK, and their settlement timeline will usually align with yours.

How we help entrepreneurs

Applying for an innovator founder visa is not just about forms — it requires a convincing business plan and careful preparation to meet endorsement standards. We support clients by:

• Preparing robust, investor-ready business plans for endorsement
• Advising on ongoing compliance with endorsement requirements
• Structuring businesses for growth and future investment
• Mapping pathways from visa approval to settlement
• Advising on compliance with the new suitability framework and updated endorsing body regulations

Why choose us

We have extensive experience supporting entrepreneurs with immigration and business law. Our strong links with endorsing bodies and knowledge of their requirements give clients a significant advantage. 

Beyond immigration, our commercial solicitors provide advice on company formation, shareholder agreements, and investment, offering a complete legal service to help your business succeed.

Contact our solicitors today for tailored advice on innovator founder visas and legal support for your UK business venture.